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Immediate action: Add a roof- or trunk-mounted storage option to your booking as soon as you confirm dates. Smaller neighborhood outlets commonly have no extras on hand; major airport and downtown locations are far more likely to provide hard boxes, soft bags or bar kits.

Typical costs and limits: Expect accessory charges roughly $10–$30 per day or about $75–$150 per week; some branches apply a one-time fitment fee of $15–$40. Rooftop boxes usually carry 75–165 lb (34–75 kg) and 10–16 cu ft (300–450 L) of usable volume–check the vehicle’s roof-load spec before accepting delivery.

How to secure one: Phone the pickup branch or use the online add-ons page, obtain an add-on confirmation number and staff contact. At collection, verify model, mounting hardware and that the item is listed on the rental agreement; photograph the installation points and any pre-existing damage.

Insurance and responsibility: Confirm whether the accessory is covered by the primary rental contract or requires a supplemental waiver. Many loss/damage policies exclude removable accessories unless explicitly included, so request written confirmation if coverage matters for you.

Practical alternatives: If the provider can’t supply a box or bars, consider buying an inexpensive soft roof bag locally ($60–$150), renting from outdoor-gear shops near the airport, or shipping bulky items ahead via courier. For bikes, ask about tow‑bar or roof-mounted bike solutions and any extra installation lead time.

Quick checklist: reserve before arrival; get written add-on confirmation; inspect and photograph fitment at pickup; verify weight and roof-load limits; confirm accessory coverage on your contract.

Roof and hitch cargo options from major car-hire firms

Reserve a roof box or hitch-mounted cargo box at booking; availability is limited at many branches and walk-up requests are frequently declined.

Typical add-on fees range from $8–$25 per day, with weekly caps commonly between $50 and $150; airport locations and premium models sit at the high end. Expect a refundable security hold of approximately $100–$300 on the card used for the hire.

Most roof boxes specify a dynamic load limit of about 50 kg and a static limit roughly 75–100 kg; always verify the vehicle roof-load rating in the vehicle handbook before loading. A mounted box increases vehicle height by roughly 12–18 cm–measure total height if you plan to use parking garages.

Request professional fitting at pick-up or ask staff to show attachment points; get the accessory recorded on the hire contract and photograph the mounting hardware and surrounding panels to document condition.

Accessory damage is frequently excluded from basic collision waivers. Confirm whether the provider’s damage waiver covers rooftop or hitched equipment, check the excess amount, and consider a separate accessory insurance product if the excess is high.

Expect fuel-consumption penalties on highways in the 10–25% range depending on speed and box profile. Drive at moderate speeds, remove the box when not needed, and avoid overpacking to reduce drag and braking distance.

Safer alternatives: a soft roof bag (lower cost, less theft-resistant), a hitch-mounted basket or box from local outfitters, or upgrading to a larger vehicle class. Compare the total accessory fee for the trip against an upgrade surcharge (often $10–40 extra per day) before deciding.

Pre-pick-up checklist: confirm accessory type and exact fee in writing; verify compatibility with the chosen vehicle (roof rails vs bare roof); check weight limits and clearance; photograph condition; obtain insurance details for the accessory; and return the vehicle with the accessory clean to avoid cleaning fees.

Which locations and countries offer roof- or hitch-mounted cargo solutions?

Contact the specific branch at least 72 hours before pickup and request a roof box or hitch-mounted cargo rack; these items are most commonly stocked at major airport and city-centre locations in the following countries and cities:

• United States – Common at large airport branches: LAX, SFO, SEA, DEN, ORD, BOS, ATL, MIA, LAS. Typically available with SUVs, station wagons and vehicles fitted with roof rails or factory tow hitches.
• Canada – Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL) and Calgary (YYC) branches frequently offer roof boxes and hitch racks for road trips and ski seasons.
• United Kingdom & Ireland – London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX) and Dublin (DUB) commonly stock rooftop boxes and tow-rack options.
• Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria – Major hubs such as Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Berlin (BER), Paris CDG, Nice (NCE), Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), Amsterdam (AMS), Zurich (ZRH), Vienna (VIE) tend to carry accessories for family and ski travel.
• Nordics – Stockholm (ARN), Oslo (OSL), Copenhagen (CPH) and Helsinki (HEL) branches often provide hitch-mounted solutions and strong support for bike/gear transport on tow bars.
• Australia & New Zealand – Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), Perth (PER), Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG) are common pick-up points for roof boxes and cargo racks used on tourist routes.
• Iceland – Keflavík (KEF) branches frequently supply roof boxes for seasonal needs (winter equipment, bulky gear).

Operational notes and practical checks:

• Confirm accessory type (roof box vs hitch rack), exact model and dimensions before arrival; ask for a written confirmation attached to the reservation.
• Verify vehicle compatibility: presence of roof rails, requirement for crossbars, factory tow hitch versus aftermarket, and maximum roof load stamped on the vehicle placard.
• Expect accessory fees; typical market range is about $8–20 per day with many branches applying a capped charge roughly $80–150 per rental period–request the local tariff.
• Ask whether on-site staff will fit the unit at handover or whether self-installation is required; request a demonstration and a quick inspection checklist to avoid dispute over pre-existing damage.
• Check height and width constraints for tunnels, parking garages and ferries where applicable; confirm local speed limits for roof loads and any wiring needs for hitch-mounted platforms with lights.
• If an operator location cannot supply the requested item, nearby specialist vendors often offer same-day delivery and professional fitting at major airports.
• Confirm insurance and liability terms for accessory-related damage; get explicit note in the rental agreement if the accessory is factory-fitted versus dealer-installed.

Quick action checklist to secure a box or rack:

1. Call the branch listed on your reservation (use the branch code) at least 72 hours ahead.
2. Provide reservation number, vehicle category and intended cargo dimensions or weight.
3. Request written confirmation of availability, price and whether fitting will be performed by staff.
4. At pickup, inspect the accessory and vehicle together, photograph mounting points, and get the fitter’s name on the pickup receipt.

How to request a roof or hitch rack when booking online, via the app or by phone

Reserve a roof-mounted box or hitch-mounted rack during booking and confirm availability with the pickup location 48–72 hours before your collection date.

Website: choose vehicle and open the “Add-ons” or “Equipment” section, select “Roof box / Roof rack” or “Hitch rack” (match the option to the vehicle class), enter number of units, accept the add-on charge shown, then save the modification and print or screenshot the updated confirmation that shows the equipment line item and price.

Mobile app: open My Reservation, tap Modify or Add Extras, pick the roof or hitch option, confirm dimensions if prompted, and submit. If the app does not show a rack option for your selected location, tap Contact Support within the app to request manual addition and obtain a confirmation code.

Phone: call the reservation desk with reservation number, pickup location, pickup/dropoff dates and desired rack type (roof box, roof rack, hitch rack). Ask the agent to: 1) confirm stock at that specific branch, 2) add the equipment to the booking and provide an updated reservation number or email confirmation, 3) state any installation fee and whether staff will fit it at pickup.

Compatibility and specs to request explicitly: mounting type (clamp or fixed), usable roof crossbar spacing, maximum load (kg or lbs), exterior dimensions of the roof box, and whether a tow hitch adapter is required for that vehicle. If you need to carry long items, request a length-rated hitch rack and confirm tongue weight limits.

Fees, deposits and timing: expect either a daily rate or a flat rental fee plus possible security deposit and installation charge; ask the agent for the exact amount and method of payment. If availability is limited at your branch, ask for a written alternative (branch that has stock) and book that branch instead.

On pickup: inspect mounting hardware and seals, verify the rack/box serial number matches your confirmation, test that keys/locks are provided, and have staff demonstrate fastening. Photograph the equipment and any scratches before leaving the lot; if any discrepancy exists, request that it be noted on the pick-up condition form.

If the online interface lacks the equipment option or you need a special fit, perform the booking without the add-on, then call the branch and request the item be added to the reservation; keep the branch agent’s name and confirmation email. For technical background on protein synthesis, see which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis.

Daily rates, deposits and insurance for roof- and hitch-mounted cargo equipment

Plan on roughly $6–22 per day depending on type: soft trunk bags and hitch-mounted baskets at the low end, hard shell roof boxes at the high end; weekly rentals often cap at 3–5 daily rates.

Typical pricing and holds

• Daily rates by item: soft bag $6–12/day, hitch basket $7–15/day, medium roof box $9–18/day, large roof box $12–22/day.
• Weekend/weekly caps: many locations apply a 3–5 day maximum charge for a 7-day rental – ask for the weekly policy before booking.
• Security hold / deposit: expect a credit-card hold between $50 and $300; some branches charge a fixed refundable deposit instead.
• Additional service fees: installation or removal may incur $10–40; airport locations can add higher surcharges and taxes.
• Loss or missing hardware: replacement costs for mounting hardware range $25–150 depending on part and model.

Protection options and booking steps

• Manufacturer/rental coverage: you can add an excess-reduction or equipment-protection plan at the counter for roughly $5–15/day; this typically lowers your financial responsibility for damage or loss of mounted gear.
• Primary vs secondary cover: many travel and credit-card policies exclude rooftop or externally mounted goods, so verify your policy before relying on it.
• Document condition: photograph all attachments on pickup and obtain a written note on the rental agreement listing the item and any pre-existing marks; keep copies until the hold is released.
• Payment method: a major credit card is usually required for the deposit hold; some locations refuse debit cards or require extra ID and higher holds.
• Save money: if your trip has short legs, compare daily fees vs bringing a compact folding bag or a budget umbrella stroller – see best deals on umbrella strollers for compact alternatives.
• When booking, request exact pricing, deposit amount and protection exclusions in writing so the counter agent cannot change terms on pickup.

Which rental vehicles are compatible and what are weight and size limits?

Choose SUVs, crossovers, station wagons or minivans for rooftop storage; pick a hitch-mounted box for heavy or bulky loads or when the car lacks roof rails.

Compatibility by vehicle class

SUVs, crossovers and wagons with raised or factory roof rails accept crossbars and roof-top boxes in most cases. Minivans normally accept rooftop solutions and also tolerate larger hitch-mounted boxes. Compact cars, subcompacts and many modern sedans often lack secure attachment points; flush rails or panoramic glass roofs can prevent safe installation. Pickup trucks accept bed-mounted solutions rather than roof boxes; trucks with crew cabs rarely support roof-top storage safely.

Look for these vehicle features before selecting a rooftop or rear box: factory-fixed rails, exposed mounting points, or a documented roof load value in the owner’s placard. If rails are absent or the roof is glass/panoramic, plan for a hitch-mounted option or a trailer.

Weight, capacity and dimension limits

Typical manufacturer roof-load limits: 75–100 kg (165–220 lb) total (this includes the box weight plus cargo). Most providers enforce a conservative operational limit around 75 kg (165 lb); always include the empty box weight (commonly 7–20 kg depending on size) in calculations.

Hitch-mounted boxes: usable cargo weight generally 45–68 kg (100–150 lb). Also check the vehicle’s maximum tongue or receiver load – some compact platforms limit hitch cargo to ~45 kg (100 lb). Exceeding those values risks damage and may void coverage.

Box volumes and external dimensions to match typical needs:

– Small roof box: ~300 L, length ~120–135 cm, height ~30–35 cm.

– Medium: ~420–480 L, length ~160–180 cm, height ~35–40 cm.

– Large/long: ~500–630 L, length ~190–220 cm, height ~40–50 cm.

Hitch boxes are shorter and deeper: typical lengths 90–140 cm, widths 60–80 cm; expect 250–450 L of usable space.

Clearance and overhang: rooftop solutions add ~30–50 cm (12–20 in) to vehicle height; measure total height for low garages or ferries. Rear-mounted boxes extend 50–75 cm (20–30 in) behind the bumper; verify parking sensors, rear camera operation and garage clearance.

Installation and safety checks: distribute weight evenly, keep the center of mass low inside the box, and never exceed the lower of (a) vehicle roof-load placard, (b) crossbar rating, or (c) provider-specified limit. Confirm whether the chosen box requires locked crossbars, additional fasteners, or special mounting points for your specific vehicle at pickup.

Practical tips: Check the vehicle’s placard for the official roof-load number, subtract the empty box mass, and use the remaining allowance for gear. If transporting heavy sports equipment or large volumes, opt for a hitch box or trailer to stay within safe limits and preserve vehicle handling.

Who installs, secures and inspects the roof or hitch-mounted cargo box at pickup and return?

Request that the counter agent or lot technician fit, fasten and certify the roof box or hitch-mounted cargo box at collection, and insist on a matching inspection and written sign-off at return.

Typical installers: trained branch staff or dedicated lot technicians perform on-site fitting; some branches use an authorized third-party fitter or partner workshop for complex mounts. Branch personnel should be listed on the rental record if they completed installation.

Mandatory pickup checks the attendant must perform and record: confirm vehicle model compatibility and roof-load limit from the vehicle placard or manual; verify crossbar spacing and clamp seating; tighten fasteners to the box manufacturer’s torque spec (or note the spec is followed); secure straps and locks; hand over keys for lockable boxes; demonstrate opening, fastening and latch inspection to the renter; measure and record added overall height (typical roof boxes add about 30–45 cm / 12–18 in) and rear projection for hitch units (typical 60–90 cm / 24–36 in); take timestamped photos of mount points and both sides of the vehicle; add an installation line and condition notes to the rental agreement.

Return inspection duties: verify all fasteners remain in place and tight, straps and seals intact, lock operation and key return, interior for stains or damage, exterior for scratches or dents near mount points, and presence of all mounting hardware. Staff should photograph any new damage, note missing parts, record odometer/fuel per policy and issue a signed return receipt specifying box condition.

If the renter is allowed to self-fit, require written permission, the manufacturer’s fitting instructions and branch confirmation that the installation was inspected before departure; have the customer initial the installation checklist and provide photo evidence at pickup and at the first service stop.

Actions to protect the renter: obtain a completed installation/inspection form at collection, keep one key for lockable boxes or confirm key custody, take your own photos (wide shots and close-ups of mounting points) with timestamps, and request the branch add any pre-existing marks to the rental record to avoid disputes on return.

Operational and legal points the installer should confirm: the mounted box must not exceed the vehicle roof-load limit (state weight in kg/lbs from the vehicle placard), roof height with box must be recorded for low-clearance areas, and rear-mounted units must not obscure lights or the registration plate; if obstruction occurs the box should be repositioned or removed before departure.

If the agency cannot supply a roof or hitch box, where to get one nearby

Call the airport’s ground transportation desk, then pursue these local sources for same-day hires or quick purchases: car-accessory shops, peer-to-peer platforms, outdoor retailers and nearby hardware stores.

Immediate options at or near airports

Airport accessory kiosks and nearby auto accessory chains often stock roof boxes, hitch baskets and soft cargo bags. Expect walk-in availability at major hubs; typical walk-up pricing ranges $25–$60 per day for a box or basket, with on-site installation fees $30–$90 and refundable deposits $100–$300. Ask the kiosk for a model number and weight limit before agreeing.

Third-party vendors and peer-to-peer platforms

Thule/Yakima dealers and independent auto outfitters offer short-term hires and day rates; many will install and torque the system for $40–$120. Peer-to-peer apps such as Fat Llama list roof boxes, hitch baskets and crossbars for local pickup – expect $15–$45/day and smaller security holds. For urgent needs, search the city name + “roof box hire” or check local Facebook Marketplace listings for same-day loans.

Practical checklist before pickup: measure vehicle roof and hitch (confirm 1.25″ vs 2″ receiver), know crossbar spacing, verify roof load limit (commonly 75–165 lb), bring keys and vehicle registration, request installer to torque to spec and take photos of the finished fit. Ask for a written short-term agreement showing daily rate, deposit and damage policy.

If traveling light with a stroller and minimal baby items, consider a slim bag option instead of a box – see best diaper bag for umbrella stroller for compact choices that fit under a seat or in a small trunk.

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